SSPX charges specific "fees" for Masses to be offered. That is completely out of line and they cannot be excused of simony for this practice.
https://sspx.org/en/give-a-mass-stipendThey refer to them as "fees" and specify the exact amount. At best, they can say that the "customary amount" is [whatever]. They even have the audacity to say "USD only", so demanding valuation based on a specific currency. Remind anyone of the money-changers that Our Lord scourged out of the temple?
Then it's laughable when they try to wash their hands of simony by putting in the following "clarification".
- The stipend in no way corresponds with the value of a Mass, which is of infinite value. Expressions such as: “How much does a Mass cost?” or “How much is it for a Mass?” are inaccurate and should not be used. The correct form is: “What is the stipend for a Mass?”
So it's "inaccurate" to ask "How much is it for a Mass?" or "How much does a Mass cost?" when just above this they lay out their set "fees" for Masses (i.e., how much the Mass costs). This is not merely "inaccurate," but it's grave matter to charge a set fee for a Mass, and it's a terrible scandal, and they must cease and desist ASAP. How can they be excused of setting a cost for a Mass when they even specify "USD only"?
So because the Mass is worth so much more than the mere $20 they charge, or they put this note in there, they're excused of simony? Hardly.
Toward the bottom, they also say that if you can't afford these "fees," people should talk to their local pastor to [... my expression here ...] negotiate a lower rate. What is this, haggling with a used car dealer?
I find this entire page repugnant. It's probably stuff like this that gave rise to Martin Luther.